jordan pulse -

Dr. Raheel Gharaibeh, former head of the National Centre for Human Rights, revealed significant insights and secrets in a candid interview hosted by Rum News Agency and the Al Shahed Media Group.

Key Highlights from the Interview:

Islamic Action Front and Internal Challenges:
Gharaibeh discussed the difficulties faced during the founding of the Islamic Action Front (IAF), largely due to resistance from within the Muslim Brotherhood. He stated that the Brotherhood feared the IAF would become a political rival.

Relations with Marouf Al-Bakhit:
During Al-Bakhit's second term as Prime Minister, his government invited the Brotherhood to join, but they declined. Gharaibeh acknowledged that Al-Bakhit was serious about the offer, particularly amidst heated regional events and reform efforts. However, the Brotherhood's stance was negative, and their then-General Guide even withdrew members from a national dialogue committee initiated by the King.

Elections and Allegations of Rigging:
Gharaibeh described the 2007 parliamentary and municipal elections as a "farce," citing widespread rigging, acknowledged by official entities.

The Brotherhood and Hamas:
He highlighted that Hamas was historically under the Jordanian Brotherhood’s leadership. However, its decision to separate from the Brotherhood led to internal divisions within the group in Jordan.

Disciplinary Issues and Personal Conflicts:
Gharaibeh recounted the harsh punishment faced by Brotherhood-affiliated MPs who attended the funeral of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, despite not informing the group. On his own dismissal, he revealed it was due to an initiative he proposed without consulting the Brotherhood leadership, resulting in the General Guide expelling him.

Imprisonment and the University of Yarmouk Incident:
He detailed his role during the events at Yarmouk University, where he was deemed responsible and subsequently imprisoned for a year. He noted that while others were released, he remained in custody, though he was not subjected to any physical harm.

Broader Observations:

He linked Iran’s regional role to a tacit agreement with the U.S. and its allies, referencing American involvement in discussions between Qatar and Hamas.

He criticised the marginalisation of political parties in Jordan’s political landscape, especially regarding the 20th Parliament and the formation of the Hassa government, which he described as a cabinet reshuffle rather than a true coalition.



On Zaid Al-Rifai:
Gharaibeh praised the late Prime Minister Zaid Al-Rifai as a distinguished figure in Jordan's modern history, known for his intelligence and unparalleled expertise.